Puppies are not simply "little dogs" who need a smaller amount of regular, adult dog food. They are, like our children, growing beings that need particular nutrients that are important for proper tissue, brain, muscle, and circulatory system development.

Puppies need more protein (which they receive in the form of amino acids) to help build healthy tissue and muscle- and while their little bodies do provide a great deal of these proteins, they do also receive additional amounts from protein sources (usually animal proteins such as beef or chicken). They also need more fat in their diet than their adult counterparts. This helps to provide much needed energy, healthy skin and a healthy, shiny coat. Carbohydrates and calories also serve as great energy sources.

It's important in a puppy's very early stages of life to receive their nutrients solely from their mother's milk -- up until about 4 weeks of age. After that time, their teeth are erupting and they are ready to be introduced to a solid diet, but will continue to nurse during this period as well, until 6 to 8 weeks of age. After 8 weeks, most puppies have matured to a point of eating solid food exclusively.

Puppies eat more frequently than adult dogs -- usually 3 to 4 times a day. As a pup progresses in age, the frequency of feeding is decreased to twice daily, and as they approach adulthood can sometimes even be moved to once daily (depending on lifestyle, activity, etc.). A good, high quality diet is best -- canned, moist, or dry. Your veterinarian and you can decide what works best for your pooch and you.

So what do you (or did you) feed your puppy? Why?

Dr. Will

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3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:What are you feeding your puppy?Puppies are not simply "little dogs" who need a smaller amount of regular, adult dog food. They are, like our children, growing beings that need particular nutrients that are important for proper tissue, brain, muscle, and circulatory system development.

Puppies need more protein (which they receive in the form of amino acids) to help build healthy tissue and muscle- and while their little bodies do provide a great deal of these proteins, they do also receive additional amounts from protein sources (usually animal proteins such as beef or chicken). They also need more fat in their diet than their adult counterparts. This helps to provide much needed energy, healthy skin and a healthy, shiny coat. Carbohydrates and calories also serve as great energy sources.

It's important in a puppy's very early stages of life to receive their nutrients solely from their mother's milk -- up until about 4 weeks of age. After that time, their teeth are erupting and they are ready to be introduced to a solid diet, but will continue to nurse during this period as well, until 6 to 8 weeks of age. After 8 weeks, most puppies have matured to a point of eating solid food exclusively.

Puppies eat more frequently than adult dogs -- usually 3 to 4 times a day. As a pup progresses in age, the frequency of feeding is decreased to twice daily, and as they approach adulthood can sometimes even be moved to once daily (depending on lifestyle, activity, etc.). A good, high quality diet is best -- canned, moist, or dry. Your veterinarian and you can decide what works best for your pooch and you.

I feed my 9 month old Coonhound(?) Lab mix Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Chicken & Rice Puppy food... my 2 adult dogs (Mastiff mixes) are on the adult chicken & rice version (they used to be on the lamb & rice until my male developed gastritis from the lamb protein)....

I have been feeding Nutro for probably close to 15 years... my dogs thrive on it so it's worth the extra cost of giving them a "premium" food.... in fact, most times I buy their food before I go to the grocery store for mine

I've tried Science Diet and Iams/Eukanuba in the past and wasn't satisfied by either....

I do feed the puppy only once a day (as I do with the adult dogs)... but when she starts chewing and EATING what she is chewing in the evening I will give her a little more of her dog food and/or raw carrots (she LOVES carrots).... Are there any other crunchy veggies I could give her ?

I just was at the vet with the 2 adult dogs this morning for their vaccinations and asked about all 3 of their weights/body conditions and the vet was very satisfied with how they look...

I have been feeding Nutro for probably close to 15 years... my dogs thrive on it so it's worth the extra cost of giving them a "premium" food.... in fact, most times I buy their food before I go to the grocery store for mine

I've tried Science Diet and Iams/Eukanuba in the past and wasn't satisfied by either....

I do feed the puppy only once a day (as I do with the adult dogs)... but when she starts chewing and EATING what she is chewing in the evening I will give her a little more of her dog food and/or raw carrots (she LOVES carrots).... Are there any other crunchy veggies I could give her ?

I just was at the vet with the 2 adult dogs this morning for their vaccinations and asked about all 3 of their weights/body conditions and the vet was very satisfied with how they look...

An_221060 responded:

As a puppy, and now as an adult dog, our "four-legged" daughter has eaten Chicken Soup For The Dog Lover's Soul. She loves that stuff! Her coat is beautiful, and her energy level is always on point. It's not sold everywhere, but thankfully our neighborhood "mom & pop" pet store keeps it in stock.

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:What are you feeding your puppy?As a puppy, and now as an adult dog, our "four-legged" daughter has eaten Chicken Soup For The Dog Lover's Soul. She loves that stuff! Her coat is beautiful, and her energy level is always on point. It's not sold everywhere, but thankfully our neighborhood "mom & pop" pet store keeps it in stock.

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